Get Your Chronic Vax Facts, Here!

Maybe you’ve heard? Beginning in early 2021, the vaccines for COVID-19 have been made available to people with pre-existing health conditions. That’s good news for many in the chronic community who have spent the better part of the last year living in fear and isolation, due to the disproportionately high risk of experiencing a severe reaction to the virus.

And yet… there are some rumors about these vaccines—especially how they might affect people living with autoimmune disorders, or those taking immunosuppressant medications. Could your condition or treatment plan cause an unexpected reaction to the COVID-19 shot? And if people living with rheumatoid arthritis, say, or multiple sclerosis were not included in the clinical trials, exactly how do doctors know these vaccines are safe for this population?

We hear your concerns, and we want to put your mind at ease (or let you know when worrying is warranted). In this special Chronic Vax Facts package, we’ve gathered the most pressing questions on the COVID-19 vaccines from HealthCentral’s Facebook community, and taken them straight to the experts for five common chronic conditions: diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. You’ll find their answers to your condition-specific questions by clicking on the links on this page.

Then, we’re doubling back to Facebook, where we’ll hold live Q+A sessions between those living with these chronic conditions and the doctors who treats them, to make sure you have all the information you need to feel confident about the COVID-19 vaccines. Send us your questions, and we’ll get you some answers!

Should You Get the COVID Vaccine If You Have RA?

A top rheumatologist explains what you need to know about the vaccine and your rheumatoid arthritis medications.

Should You Get the COVID Vaccine If You Have IBD?

We took your pressing questions to a top gastroenterologist for the bottom line on vaccine safety and efficacy when you’re living with IBD.

Should You Get The COVID Vaccine If You Have Diabetes?

An endocrinologist weighs in on what we know—and don’t yet know—about the new vaccines and diabetes.

Should You Get the COVID Vaccine If You Have Psoriasis?

A top dermatologist answers all your questions about getting the new COVID vaccine when you have this chronic skin condition.

Should You Get the COVID Vaccine If You Have MS?

Claire Riley, M.D., answers questions about multiple sclerosis and the new COVID shots.

Nurse. Teacher. Retiree. Kid. When Can YOU Get the COVID Vaccine?

As rollout officially begins, check to see where you fall on the vax priority list.

Are You High Risk? How to Prepare for Your COVID Vaccine Appointment

Now that people with underlying conditions are gaining access to the shot, here are some things to know about the process.

Is the COVID Vaccine Safe for People With Allergies?

We asked an immunologist to weigh in.

Check Out Our New Expert Q+A on the COVID Vaccine

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